Leadership with Chinese Characteristics: What Role for Soft Power?

Abstract

This chapter examines China’s capacity to provide international leadership. It argues that while China’s leaders clearly have the willingness to play a more prominent international role, their ability to act or even lead is constrained by both domestic capacity hurdles and the reluctance of others especially, its neighbors, to accept Chinese leadership. This possibility is highlighted in the unresolved maritime disputes in the region. China’s policymaking often appears uncoordinated, ad hoc, and lacking in legitimacy. We compare China’s policies with those of the US and suggest that it still lacks the sort of ‘soft power’ that has been such an important part of American leadership and influence.